Our Eyes are On Thee

“Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).’ Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:2-3

“Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord before the new court, and he said, ‘O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You. Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying, “Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.” Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You. All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives and their children.’” 2 Chronicles 20:5-13

A child in an emergency room. A diagnosis of terminal cancer. A tornado swirling toward your home. In disturbing times most call on God. For the believer who has established a rapport with the Holy One through the cross, the prayer of distress works three wonders.

First, it leads us into God’s presence. Yes, God indwells us always, but prayer brings His presence into critical focus. We are keenly aware of Emmanuel, God with us. We do not face our woe alone.

Second, prayer leans on the power of God. We place our problem squarely in the hands of the Mighty One. He will work according to His unlimited power and wisdom. He is fighting for us with all His indescribable strength.

Third, prayer links us to the purpose of God. There are no accidents with God. Our affliction is under His sovereign hand. He will accomplish His will through all turbulence.

The emergency may pass, or it may intensify. The disease may spread, or it may be cured. The storm may strike, or it may pass over. In either case, prayer leave the matter and results to a loving, powerful, wise God. We have brought our plea before Jehovah. We are in good hands.

“By prayer we change our natural strength into the supernatural strength of God.” -Andrew Murray